Legal/Homeschool Laws
Laws that regulate home education vary from state to state. It is important to understand the legal requirements in your state and to be aware of legislative and other legal issues that affect homeschoolers in your community. We've compiled resources that will help you become informed. Although homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, and the vast majority of homeschoolers face no problems, you may find that you need legal assistance at some point in your homeschooling career. We've compiled a list of resources to help you find the support you need. And if you'd like to become more involved in working towards homeschooling freedoms, we discuss some of the issues facing homeschoolers that we hope you find compelling.
State Laws
Read the laws regulating home education in Ohio and browse through the case law and legal opinions relating to those laws, along with government publications relating to homeschooling and summaries of the laws.
Forms
Which forms do you need to fill out? Where can you get them? Here is a list of useful forms for homeschooling in Ohio.
Legal Support
If you need legal information or have run into a legal situation regarding your decision to homeschool, these resources will be helpful.
Lobbying Groups
A listing of local and national lobbying groups and information on how you can become involved in the political process to ensure the freedom to homeschool is protected.
Attorneys
When searching for an attorney, it is helpful to know whether he or she has experience working with homeschoolers and is interested in protecting the right to homeschool.
Legal Issues
Is homeschooling legal? Which laws pertain to homeschoolers and which don't? How do homeschoolers protect their rights to freely educate their children and to preserve their privacy?
Government Resources
A listing of local and state government resources, including your state's Department of Education, school districts, and Senate and House of Representative information.
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3301-34-04 Academic assessment.
(A) The parent(s) shall send to the superintendent an academic assessment report of the child for the previous school year at the time of supplying subsequent notification.
(B) The academic assessment report shall include one of the following:
(1) Results of a nationally normed, standardized achievement test.
(a) Such test shall be administered by:
(i) A licensed or certified teacher; or
(ii) Another person mutually agreed upon by the parent(s) and the superintendent; or
(iii) ...
Where should Ohio homeschoolers send Home Education Notification Forms?
Because of a recent change in wording in the Ohio Revised Code 3321.04, there has been some confusion as to where Ohio homeschoolers should send their homeschool notifications.
3301-34-03 Notification.
(A) A parent who elects to provide home education shall supply the following information to the superintendent:
(1) School year for which notification is made;
(2) Name of parent, address, and telephone number (telephone number optional);
(3) Name, address, and telephone number (telephone number optional) of person(s) who will be teaching the child the subjects set forth in paragraph (A)(5) of this rule, if other than the parent;
(4) Full name and birthdate of child to be educated at...
3301-34-02 Statement of purpose.
The purpose of the rules in this chapter is to prescribe conditions governing the issuance of excuses from school attendance under section 3321.04 of the Revised Code, to provide for the consistent application thereof throughout the state by superintendents, and to safeguard the primary right of parents to provide the education for their child(ren). Home education must be in accordance with law.
Using the District-Created Form
You do not have to use a form of any sort for notification. The manner in which you present the notification information is entirely up to you. Just be sure all required information is provided.
It is suggested that parents, under no circumstances, use the forms provided by their districts since these are likely to contain word changes that alter the regulations in whole or in part. Provide your information on either the "state-generated" form which you may obtain from any homeschooling group,...
Part-Time Participation: Problems and Pitfalls
Discusses testing with school districts, Ohio Proficiency Tests, assessment options and filing procedures, and participation in school-offered testing.
Ohio Department of Education
This website serves as the official web presence for the Ohio Department of Education.
3301-34-01 Definitions.
The following terms are defined as they are used in this chapter.
(A) "Certified teacher" means a person who holds a valid Ohio teaching certificate, excluding the certificate issued under section 3301.071 of the Revised Code.
(B) "Home education" means education primarily directed and provided by the parent or guardian of a child under division (A)(2) of section 3321.04 of the Revised Code which child is of compulsory school age and is not enrolled in a nonpublic school.
(C) "Parent" means a...
Dealing With a School District Exceeding Its Authority
Every day we hear stories about districts which are exceeding their authority with respect to homeschooling regulations...and that's just the point. They are exceeding their authority. They are breaking the rules. We are expected to follow the rules and so should they. But, who will remind them if not us? Who will educate them regarding our rights and responsibilities and their own regulatory obligations if not us? Who will safeguard our rights to homeschool, according to the current regulations...
Work Permits
The Department of Commerce (through legislation passed recently) has made the process for minor work permits more standardized. The forms can now be printed off their website and simply turned into the school district in which you reside.
Home Education Notification Form Example
Example of a home education notification form.
3301-34-05 Remediation.
(A) If the annual academic assessment indicates that the child is not demonstrating reasonable proficiency, the superintendent shall notify the parent(s) in writing that an appropriate plan of remediation shall be submitted by the parent(s) to the superintendent within thirty days after receipt of such notification.
(B) During remediation the parent(s) shall submit a quarterly report to the superintendent which includes:
(1) A written narrative evaluating the child's progress, including an...
Challenges
This page contain information and fact sheets regarding challenges to homeschooling rights in Ohio and what you might do if challenged. Includes information on dealing with an exceeding school district, truancy, who to notify, parti-time participation, and more.
Home Education Notification Form
Use to notify the superintendent of your local school district, city, or county of your intent to homeschool.
Home School Textbook and Curriculum List
Home School Textbook and Curriculum List as required by O.A.C. 3301-34-03 Notification Section 6 and 7; for informational purposes only.
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Featured Resources
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